Alternatives to Whey Protein for Vegans and those with Lactose-intolerance

True Protein Blog Avatar Fallback reviewed by our Nutrition Team 09 August 2019

We decipher what it means to be lactose intolerant and vegan, and explain the benefits of consuming alternative protein powders

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Alternatives to Whey Protein for Vegans and those with Lactose-intolerance

Whether you are consciously opting not to consume animal products or you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, you may find yourself stuck at a crossroads when it comes to choosing the right protein powder.

Supplementation can support your nutrition levels well by enhancing recovery and supporting all-round wellbeing. Prior to supplementation, it is vital to ensure most of your diet is being fulfilled with whole foods.

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Whey protein is derived from cows’ milk and is the most popular form of protein in the sports nutrition and supplements market. Whey protein offers a complete amino acid profile, which are the building blocks of muscle growth, repair, and maintenance. Whey protein also boasts low levels of carbohydrates and fats, meaning the high protein levels of whey ensure your body draws its energy from excess fat stores, aiding in weight loss and suppressing hunger. With whey protein’s impressive benefits, it may seem difficult to find a dairy-free protein powder right for you. To help, we’ve investigated the benefits and convenience of non-dairy proteins for those who have a preference.

What does it mean to be lactose-intolerant?

If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance, this essentially means the sugars found in dairy products (most commonly cows’ milk) cannot be digested properly in your body. Digestion of dairy becomes difficult for the lactose-intolerant because of symptoms such as bloating, flatulence, abdominal pain, and diarrhoea. These symptoms occur due to insufficient stores of the gut enzyme lactase, which is found in the lining of the small intestine. The lack of lactase means that it is very difficult for the milk sugars to be converted into absorbable compounds and therefore the lactose remains undigested as it continues into the large intestine. The large intestine contains a lot of bacteria, which aids in breaking down our food. The bacteria converts lactose partially into acids and gases, which prompts wind, bloating and pain in the lactose-intolerant. For lactose-intolerant people, rather than being absorbed into the bloodstream, lactose attracts water molecules, resulting in watery faeces.

The severity of lactose intolerance varies with each individual, as does the amount of lactose in different dairy products. For example, hard and matured cheese such as Cheddar, mozzarella, and brie, contain little to no lactose and can be consumed by people with lactose intolerance.

It is advised not to eliminate dairy products from your diet entirely, instead, interchange the types of food containing lactose. For example, your lunch meal can include a light cheese and you can still include cows’ milk in your daily coffee.

Milk and other dairy foods are an important source of calcium, which is essential for supporting bone health. So, if you are lactose-intolerant, consider trialing which foods cause a reaction and which are fine to eat without discomfort. According to the Food Intolerance Institute of Australia 67-75%, or two in three Australians, have a dairy intolerance. Such a high percentage of people with lactose intolerances lends itself to many of our favourite supermarket brands being conscious of lactose present in their products. The milk industry has also increased its efforts by offering lactose-free options that contain only small traces of lactose, which have already been broken down prior to consumption. It is advised to avoid most packaged goods in the supermarket if you are lactose intolerant. This is because most processed foods such as pre-packaged cakes, biscuits, cheese sauces, and soups contain lactose. Often lactose isn’t explicitly listed in these products’ ingredients lists, instead, they list grouped ingredients such as ‘milk solids’. It is safe to eliminate all pre-packaged processed goods that include ‘milk solids’ as lactose is always present in this ingredient grouping.

What does it mean to be vegan?

Many people choose to lead a lifestyle which minimises the number of animal products they use or consume for dietary intolerances and/or conscious ecological reasons. It is important to define the specifics of being a vegan as when it comes to choosing the correct protein supplements, every ingredient matters.

A vegan is someone who establishes a way of living that seeks to exclude all forms of exploitation and cruelty of animals through the means of food, clothing and other lifestyle choices (for example, cleaning products). One thing that all vegans have in common is the choice to follow a plant-based diet that avoids all animal foods including meat, fish, insects, dairy, eggs, and honey. You can look at veganism either in terms of what it excludes or what it includes regarding diet. Although vegetables and fruits are the primary foundation of a vegan diet, supplementing with protein powders is can be a helpful addition.

Plant-based proteins

Plant-based proteins are the ideal alternatives for vegans and dairy-intolerant people who are looking to increase their protein intake for health and/or training. The most obvious benefit of plant-based proteins is that plant-based proteins are derived only from plants and therefore doesn’t involve any animal by-products or produce. Plant-based proteins are also hypoallergenic, which means your gut is very unlikely to have a negative reaction.

The human body is able to produce 11 amino acids but must receive another nine from foods, garnering the term essential. Animal products are complete proteins, which means they contain all nine required amino acids. It can be tricky to consistently eat all the amino acids necessary when following a plant-based diet, so a dairy-intolerant or vegan individual should actively try to eat a varied diet of plant-based foods to equip their body with the correct levels of amino acids.

Plant-based ingredients can be excellent sources of protein with many products such as soybeans, tofu, nuts, seeds and quinoa offering the benefits of complete proteins containing all nine essential amino acids required for muscle development, repair and growth.

It is important to discuss dietary exclusions and portions with your health care practitioner or nutritionist to ensure your intake of protein is adequate. Learning how to effectively supplement your diet without animal products is essential.

 

Plant Protein - what can it do for me?

True Protein’s Plant Protein is a dairy-free protein blend with a rich amino acid profile (organic compounds that bond together to form proteins in food) thanks to the combination of pea, pumpkin and faba bean proteins. True Plant Protein is made with Australian yellow pea and faba bean proteins sourced from Victorian farms. Governed under some of the highest standards of farming in the world, this plant protein is produced without the use of solvents or enzymes. The end result is a ‘clean’, soluble and high quality powder. Our organic pumpkin seed protein is sourced from one of the worlds finest suppliers in the Netherlands. At True Protein, we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality ingredients with no added preservatives, artificial colours or flavours. Plant Protein has been specially formulated to use the combination of the three protein to provide a complete amino acid profile, which will fulfil your daily protein needs with a high-protein content equating to 20g per serve.

Plant Protein is ideal for vegan and dairy-intolerant individuals post-workout. It should be taken within 15-30 minutes following a workout to help kick-start the recovery process and alleviate delayed onset muscle syndrome. Plant Protein is a convenient way to boost your daily protein intake whether consuming your shake with milk or water as a high-protein snack or blending the powder into a smoothie for breakfast. It has endless possibilities due to the texture and nature of the blend. Because Plant Protein is a plant-based protein it tends to retain a lot more moisture, making it perfect for baking. It is a great substitute for flour and, with True Protein’s large range of natural flavours, you can create many baked goods and recipes. Check out True Protein’s recipe inspiration here.

 

Collagen Protein

Collagen protein is a fine, odourless substance extremely low in fat, carbs and lactose. Rather than originating from cows milk, Collagen protein is compromised of peptides found in the connective tissues, bones, cartilage and hides of animals. This means that while is it dairy-free, it isn't vegan-friendly.

Collagen protein is beneficial for its bioavailability (easy absorption) and ability to assist in the repair of tissue and health of hair, skin, nails and joints. It is has a 97% protein concentration and a rich amino acid profile, however it is not a complete protein.

Collagen protein is yet another option for those who'd prefer not to take whey protein. True's Collagen Protein is heat stable so can be enjoyed in your daily coffee or as a seamless addition to smoothie.

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Hydrolysed peptides with added Vitamin C for absorption

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Whey options for those with lactose intolerance

Believe it or not, True Protein’s Whey Protein Isolate (WPI 90) is commonly consumed by people with lactose intolerance without experiencing any adverse symptoms. This is because WPI 90 is a unique protein supplement that undergoes an ultrafiltration process. The ultrafiltration process means that the lactose and carbohydrates are almost entirely stripped away, making it the purest form of protein derived from New Zealand grass-fed whey protein on the market. If you are going to trial WPI 90, exercise caution and start by drinking in smaller doses to see how it digests in your body. It is suggested that those with lactose intolerance should take care to avoid products that mix whey protein isolate and concentrate together.

WPI90

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WPI boasts 90% protein content for first-class results

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References

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/lactose-intolerance
https://www.canstarblue.com.au/groceries/lactose-intolerance-on-the-rise-in-australia/
https://daa.asn.au/smart-eating-for-you/smart-eating-fast-facts/medical/understanding-lactose-intolerance/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321474.php
https://www.vegan.com/why

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: all content provided here is of a general nature only and is not a substitute for individualised professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and reliance should not be placed on it. For personalised medical or nutrition advice, please make an appointment with your doctor, dietitian or qualified health careprofessional.